Aah, it's good to read about mail-order-brides again! I liked the whole premise of the story; desperate circumstances, the big move west, a family separated, household adjustments, the romance of learning your new spouse and falling in love. It was sweet and lighthearted and while the necessary conflicts weren't too heavy, this ready-made family sure had more than their fair share of misfortune. Some secrets are left as cliffhangers and act as lead-ins for the next book in the series. There wasn't a lot of sensual heat or deep emotional musing but enough to make Jake and Miranda's romance feel good in an old school sort of way. Still, a satisfying read. 3.5 stars.
This is a story of hidden agendas: Both of the main characters have them. Perhaps they are too young, but they do not have the strength of character to state their objectives so the other partner has a true view of the conditions.
Miranda Wentworth has become too old to stay at the orphanage and she must leave. However, conditions in the Chicago orphanage are so dire that she spirits away her two youngest siblings with her.
Miranda has accepted Jacob Creeds ad for a mail-order bride. Fearing he will not want her with 2 additional mouths to feed, she doesnt mention it and trembles to meet the rancher.
Six months before, Jacob Creed lost his wife and stillborn son. He is desperate for a help mate and someone who can care for his two year-old daughter. Fearing no one would accept him with a child, he neglects to mention her in his ad or letter.
Jacob is so shocked by the loss of his wife in childbirth; he decided that this will be a marriage of convenience. He has no intention of losing another wife. Jacob neglects to mention this condition either in his advertisement for a wife.
Because this was an interesting (if fairly common) storyline, I looked at the previous novels in this series. What I learned stopped me cold. Id already read the story of Cricket (Jacobs mother) in FRONTIER WOMAN (1988). My review of that book is available elsewhere.
Then I found out about what happened to Jacobs father and how Cricket married Blackthorne. I realized I didnt want any part of the rest of this series.
This story was cute and quick; Miranda and Jake were interesting. However, I have no intention in investing any more time with this sick/crazy Cricket Creed and Blackthorne families.
3 stars on this novel
Miranda Wentworth has become too old to stay at the orphanage and she must leave. However, conditions in the Chicago orphanage are so dire that she spirits away her two youngest siblings with her.
Miranda has accepted Jacob Creeds ad for a mail-order bride. Fearing he will not want her with 2 additional mouths to feed, she doesnt mention it and trembles to meet the rancher.
Six months before, Jacob Creed lost his wife and stillborn son. He is desperate for a help mate and someone who can care for his two year-old daughter. Fearing no one would accept him with a child, he neglects to mention her in his ad or letter.
Jacob is so shocked by the loss of his wife in childbirth; he decided that this will be a marriage of convenience. He has no intention of losing another wife. Jacob neglects to mention this condition either in his advertisement for a wife.
Because this was an interesting (if fairly common) storyline, I looked at the previous novels in this series. What I learned stopped me cold. Id already read the story of Cricket (Jacobs mother) in FRONTIER WOMAN (1988). My review of that book is available elsewhere.
Then I found out about what happened to Jacobs father and how Cricket married Blackthorne. I realized I didnt want any part of the rest of this series.
This story was cute and quick; Miranda and Jake were interesting. However, I have no intention in investing any more time with this sick/crazy Cricket Creed and Blackthorne families.
3 stars on this novel
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this first book in the series. I'm on to book number two! Highly recommend if you love historical romance.
Pretty good book . look forward to reading the rest in the series.
I love mail order bride books.
I love mail order bride books.
